Are one or two dangerous? Diphenoxylate-atropine exposure in toddlers.

Author(s): Thomas TJ, Pauze D, Love JN

Affiliation(s): Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-01, J Emerg Med., 34(1):71-5. Epub 2007 Aug 29.

Publication type: Case Reports; Review

Lomotil (Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) (diphenoxylate-atropine) is said to be potentially toxic to toddlers with exposure to as little as one to two tablets. A review of the data on diphenoxylate-atropine poisonings from the American Association of Poison Control Centers annual reports, review articles, and case series disputes this view. Fatalities associated with diphenoxylate-atropine have been reported in toddlers after repetitive or incorrect dosages. Fortunately, trends in pediatric diphenoxylate-atropine ingestions are decreasing. We review the management, trends, and current concepts regarding pediatric diphenoxylate-atropine ingestions.